Social Work at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,436/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
12.7x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Work graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $502K | $502K | $482K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.7x | 12.7x | 12.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.3x | 6.3x | 6.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 50 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,436
Out-of-state: $79,756 (6.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,126
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,031
51% growth from Year 1
About The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 27,026 in Edinburg, TX. 64% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. The average net cost of $26,000 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley →Top Career Paths
Social and community service managers
$78,240/yr
Social work teachers, postsecondary
$76,210/yr
Social workers, all other
$69,480/yr
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →